ACURA CL AMONG ELEGANT VEHICLES FOR 1997 : TEST DRIVE.

Byline: Jerry Morris The Boston Globe

Acura, the first of the luxury divisions of Japanese manufacturers, has added another first for the '97 model year. The new Acura CL, a coupe with a starting price of about $22,000, fits in the Acura lineup between the sporty Integra and the TL sedan.

Not only is this four-passenger coupe being built in the United States, it was designed here as well.

Introduced earlier this year, the CL is adding a new 3.0-liter V-6 with 200 horsepower. Also offered is a 2.2-liter four. While strongly related to the Honda Accord, the stylish CL is packed with more niceties than Accord.

The Acura TL retains many of its features from last year, providing a comfortable ride and great handling. It is available with an in-line-five cylinder or V-6 engine.

Among other models in the $20,000-to-$30,000 range are the Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis, which provide lots of full-size room in a rear-drive sedan.

The Audi A4, the company's entry level unit, comes this year with a lower price. The base model comes with a turbocharger engine with five valves per cylinder. All-wheel drive is also available.

Yes, you can buy a BMW for less than $30,000. The 3-Series, available in sedan, coupe and convertible, has a new front end and steering wheel to go with it.

Buick will be offering two models in this class - LeSabre and Regal. The LeSabre has some fresh touches along with improved seating. The Regal, which will be out by spring, will share a lot with the Century but will come with far more power under the hood.

The Chrysler Concorde/Eagle Vision with their cab-forward design provide more room than most cars. For the Concorde, there's a standard eight-way power driver's seat; the Vision provides a good option, offering many similar features but at a lower price.

Infiniti's lowest priced model is now the I30, which squeaks in under $30,000. Based on the Nissan Maxima, the I30 is Infiniti's only front-drive car. The I30 is available in automatic or manual transmission, which will take you from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. Both cars are nicely packaged and fun to drive.

With the demise of the Mazda 929, the Millenia is now the company's flagship. The stylish Millenia's premium model comes with the Miller-cycle supercharged engine with power to spare.

The Mitsubishi Diamante is distinctive for two reasons: It is power-packed and is the only Australian-built car available. The Diamante is new from the ground up with some luxurious appointments and a new and standard 3.5-liter,

V-6 that should generate excitement among buyers, something that has been lacking in recent years.

Oldsmobile offers buyers a choice, including a new Regency. The Eighty-Eight, a winner in J.D. Power's initial quality survey, provides room for up to six and many conveniences. Olds' answer to the imports is its performance-oriented LSS. The Aurora has clean lines, bucket seats, lots of room inside and two performance engine choices including one that is supercharged.

The Pontiac Bonneville is the alternative to import sedans, offering more of everything than its import competitors and at a far lower price.

Toyota offers up its American-built flagship, the Avalon, that provides smooth performance and room for up to six passengers. Based on the almost carefree Camry, the Avalon provides standard antilock brakes and 200 horsepower from its V-6.

The Volvo 850 sports an additional engine this year - a 190 horsepower in-line five. These safe, front-drive cars all boast dual front air bags along with side impact air bags. While perhaps not winning any beauty awards, the 850 is practical and luxurious.

The Saab 900 is a distinctive car with unique Swedish-inspired practicality, performance and luxury. The sedan and coupe have handy hatchbacks that make these charmers station wagons in disguise.

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Photo: With the demise of the Mazda 929, the Millenia is now the company's flagship.